Thursday, December 31, 2009

I've been wanting to make this top for a long time and it was the first thing I made after Christmas.I wanted an easy project and this one fit the bill.I had it cut out a while back so I got right down to sewing and it only took about three hours.>Here is the outcome. It's nothing special really.

The fabric is a poly sweater knit that is very soft.The name of the collection was "Cashmere".It was left over from my daughter's Christmas dress which I forgot to photograph before sending it to Ottawa.

The reason I'm not thrilled with it I think is that the tucks at the neckline don't show up because of the printed fabric.But I definitely want to make it again in a plain knit.

There was one problem with this pattern.I found that the neckline falls toward the back so I'll take the seam allowance away from the front shoulder and add it to the back.I find this step usually fixes this problem.

What I like about this top is the fit (I used size 12 but cut the side seams at size 14). I like the amount of fullness through the bodice. It's not too wide.The only change I made to the pattern was to lengthen the sleeves because I'm always cold.I've already worn it several times so it wasn't a waist of time.You know.We all have things we sew that are just ordinary.This is one of mine.

I didn't get any pics taken of me wearing it but I've already finished a couple of other pieces,V8323 and V8561. I'll post on them in the next couple of days after DH has taken the photos.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

I don't know about you but I'm glad Christmas is over. Even though I love the Holidays, let's face it. They are hectic and a lot of work. I love all the preparations ,the decorating, the sewing of gifts and the shopping (notice I didn't say the cooking because I'm one of those lucky women whose husband loves to cook) . But enough is enough! I'm ready to get back to normal.

I just wanted to announce a few things that are new in my life.

First of all, I have a new grand-daughter, born on Nov.21st.Here she is ,Riley Grace, with her handsome father,my youngest child Jeff!

!

I haven't seen her yet because she lives in Ottawa and I don't travel at this time of year.I'll be going in March. But many photos have found their way to my computer!

Next is that I decided to stop working at Fabricville. Ann, I'm so glad you came in the last day I was there. We had a great chat (and your son is very handsome too!)My body has been protesting rather loudly about all the abuse I was putting it through at my beloved Fabricville.I enjoyed my six years there immensely and made many wonderful friends .I'll visit often for sure.

Also,I have a new sewing machine! I had to give up on my Kenmore 19606. It was a real lemon. In five years, it was away for repairs for a total of 42 weeks!! Finally, Sears offered me a "buy-out" so I decided to buy this beauty,

I haven't learned to use the embroidery component yet, but I'll be having lessons soon and am looking forward to at least creating my own sewing labels for a start.

Last but not least, just before Christmas, my husband was in an accident. He hit a piece of black ice on a sharp turn and lost control, He hit a culvert. The truck rolled over once and then landed on the passenger side. Because he was wearing a seat belt ,my sweet man came out without a scratch , just a slightly stiff neck. I was on my way home from work and came upon the scene. It was a real shock to see the truck being pulled out of the ditch by a tow-truck. Here is one photo of the wreck.

Needless to say, our whole family feels very grateful that our Bobby was spared. I can't help smiling every time I look at him. Life is SWEET!

Now on to sewing stuff. I'm just going to show you the jacket I made in November as part of my What Goes With Brown collection

I added about 4" to the length and an inch to the side seams to make it roomy enough for a winter jacket.

The fabric is a wool/rayon/polyester blend. I lined it with a printed "designer" polyester lining. I didn't add an under-lining as I had planned because I wanted to wear it in late fall and early spring. It's quite warm enough to wear now with a sweater under it.

I love the retro look of the 3/4 sleeves that is so popular at the moment. I added an inch to the sleeve length as well as the the cuff length. I can wear the sleeves with the cuff turned up or down with my long leather gloves I bought in Montreal.

I made bound buttonholes with a faux suede and used big buttons because I love big buttons.I also trimmed the welt pocket flap with the faux suede.

To complete the look ,I made a cool scarf with the animal print knit I showed in another post.

I'm loving this jacket and have worn it many times already.Voila! What do you think?

Have a great and Happy New Year each of you who so kindly visit my blog. It feels good to be back and I'm looking forward to another year of sewing and blogging now that I'm retired for the second time.

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About Me

A truly happy life,a wonderful husband, three children and two stepchildren who all make me proud; six beloved grandchildren who bring me so much joy
Sewing is not only my hobby but my passion and my creative outlet.I couldn't live without it.

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I'd like to thank all of you who stop by to visit and to look at what I make.You, my sewing friends from cyberspace, are dear to me .Knowing you're out there in many parts of the world thrills me. You enrich my life with your kind comments and your inspiration.LOL.Diana (aka Sew Passionista)